Ruth Watt Piscitelli

Ruth Watt Piscitelli, 90 of Center Road, Steamburg, New York died Saturday (December 31, 2011) at her home

Born November 15, 1921 in the town of Coldspring NY she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Nettie Huff Watt. She was married to Vincent "Sonny Piscitelli who predeceased her.

She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Turtle Clan, a fluent Seneca speaker with Seneca being her first language, a master Seneca Basket Maker for the last eighty years, demonstrated basket making at colleges, universities and the Smithsonian Institute. She passed on her talent to her nieces. In addition to baskets she made flower arrangements and beadwork.

She had maintained a basket shop with her mother Nettie Watt in their home.

Ruth was an international traveler visiting Australia, South America, the Medaterian and Caribbean Island and the United States including Alaska She had traveled as recently as last spring

Ruth led an active life by gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, enjoyed Bingo, Seneca Elder programs and seeing her friends at the Seneca Nutrition Program. Loved spending time with her family and was the matriarch of the Clarence and Nettie Watt Family.

Surviving are three sisters: Rovena Abrams, Jimersontown, Maribel Printup, Jimersontown, NY Carolyn (Randy) Brant, Jimersontown, two brothers Merle Watt Sr., Steamburg, NY, Milburn "Bud" Watt, Steamburg, several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Piscitelli was predeceased by two brothers Harold Watt and Elwin "Sparky" Watt.

Friends may call on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. funeral home 25 River Street. Salamanca, New York. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 10.00

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, New York

e-condolences may be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook/onofh